Japanese city wants to limit smartphone use to two hours a day

A Japanese city will ask smartphone users to limit the time they spend on their devices to two hours a day outside of work or school, under a rule that, however, does not provide for sanctions.

The proposal from the city of Toyoake, in central Japan, aims to “prevent the excessive use of devices that cause physical and mental health problems (…) including sleep problems”, said Mayor Masafumi Koki on Friday (22).

The draft text asks elementary school students to avoid using cell phones after 9 p.m. and advises high school students and adults not to use them after 10 p.m.

The proposal sparked a backlash on social media, with many calling it unrealistic. "I understand your intention, but the two-hour limit is impossible," wrote one user on the social network X. For others, the amount of time spent on smartphones is a matter for each family to decide.

Adverse reactions to the proposal forced the mayor to clarify that the two-hour limit is not mandatory and that the text “recognizes that smartphones are useful and indispensable in daily life.”

The rule will be put to a vote next week and, if approved, will come into effect in October.